Automotive Technology

This is the automotive department's project car. This car was built from the ground up by the SCC Automotive Association, a student club,
as an extracurricular activity. The club members come from the automotive technology program, automotive collision
and refinishing technician program, and the automotive machinist program.

The automotive technology program at SCC is one of the leaders in the industry in training students for a rewarding career in the automotive
field. To find out more about our program and what it has to offer you, explore this site.

The Automotive Technology program prepares the student for employment in many areas of the automotive field including dealerships, independent
garages, fleet shops, service stations and specialty shops, which cover areas such as tune-ups and brakes. Students may enter the program in
any of the first five quarters. The one-year certificate requires completion of any three quarters of the Automotive Technology program and
the four related classes identified in footnote 1. This flexible schedule also enables students to receive short-term certificates while
pursuing their degree.

Brakes and Suspension Certificate: This short-term certificate provides students with both theory and practical lab
applications in automotive brake, suspension and hydraulic systems. Students gain experience in the diagnosis and repair of the following
systems and components: master cylinder and hydraulic systems, drum and disc brakes, parking brakes, machining of brake drums and rotors,
power brake units, and anti-lock brake systems.

Electronics/Electrical Certificate: This short-term certificate program introduces students to basic electrical concepts
including Ohm's law, magnetism, analog and digital meters, and test equipment. Students gain practical shop experience in the testing of
such equipment as test lamps, voltmeters and ammeters. Hookup and testing of electronics and electrical components and circuits also are
included.

Engine Performance/Air conditioning Certificate:This two-quarter certificate program emphasizes both engine performance
and air conditioning systems and components. Content areas include ignition systems, fuel and exhaust/emissions systems, theory of carburetion
and ignition systems. Students are introduced to heating and air conditioning systems and gain practical shop experience in their diagnosis
and repair procedures.

Automotive Transmissions/Transaxles Certificate:This short-term certificate
program introduces students to the theory and operation of both manual and automatic transmissions/transaxles, differential, drive line, and
constant velocity joints, late model transmissions, and transaxles components.

Hybrid Cars: Spokane Community College is starting a Hybrid
class in the automotive program. This is a 16-credit course.
It will start winter quarter 2008 and can be taken after the completion of an A.A.S. degree or equivalent.

High Performance Cars: Spokane Community College has started a high performance class in the automotive program.
This is a 16-credit course. It will be offered during summer quarter and can be taken
after the completion of an A.A.S. degree or equivalent.

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

understand basic shop operation

diagnose mechanical malfunctions and performance problems and make necessary repairs

understand the importance of good public relations with customers, employer and fellow employees

work with minimum supervision for or with a journeyman technician

skillfully use tools and equipment

Career Opportunities in Automotive Technology

Most automotive technicians are employed by automobile dealers, independent automobile repair shops, specialty shops and fleets. Employment is
expected to increase because of the expansion of the driving-age population, consumer purchasing power and multi-car ownership. All current
automobiles are equipped with sophisticated computer controlled devices including ignition and braking systems, air bag, etc. which require
highly technical skills.

Some potential Positions

automatic transmission specialist

salesperson

automotive technician

farm equipment technician

front end alignment technician

heavy equipment repair

parts department clerk

service station operator

heating and air conditioning specialist

engine performance technician

electrical/electronics specialist

Darrell Farris
Manager
Mechanix North

"We do all kinds of automotive and light truck repair. I like the challenge, the problem solving. There's
nothing hum-drum about being a technician. The SCC program covers such a broad spectrum of the industry that you can pick an area to specialize
in, or decide, like I did, to become an all-around technician. It's a real strong program. As a technician, you have to be willing to put out
a lot of money in tools, but if you enjoy the challenge and are willing to buy the equipment, it's a great field."

Karen Shelley
Delivery Driver
Barton Jeep/Eagle

"My grandfather used to own a service station and I would pump gas and do oil changes in the summer while
I was still in high school. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to try college, but I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed the way the SCC automotive
program was set up and how the teachers were so willing to help. It's a good program. All the new technology makes this a very interesting
field. At SCC they are very up -to-date, and learning the new stuff is very interesting."

What is this field like? (Click to open)

Automotive technology has taken quantum leaps forward in engineering. High tech designs now incorporate sophisticated electronics such as computer
controls and on-board diagnostics. Graduates from SCC's automotive technology program will find themselves in a career that has more brain work
than ever before. Even after technicians enter the job market, those who want top wages and a chance for advancement will continue to upgrade their
skills through factory training programs and night classes taught at the community colleges. In return, young men and women entering this field will
find a fantastic array of job opportunities. No matter what their interests-from accounting to advertising to machinery to mathematics-there are
many opportunities.

What program does SCC offer?

SCC's automotive technology program is a six-quarter A.A.S. (associate in applied science) degree program. It prepares you for employment in many
areas of the automotive field-including dealerships, independent garages, fleet shops, service stations and specialty shops. The goals of the program
are to prepare individuals who can:

Understand basic shop operation

Diagnose mechanical malfunctions

Make replacement decisions about worn parts

Operate precision diagnostic and repair equipment

Read and interpret repair manuals

Understand the importance of good relationships with customers and co-workers

Be aware of costs and profits

Work with a minimum of supervision

Use tools and equipment skillfully

Students may start the program any fall, winter or spring quarter as openings are available.

What classes will I take?

In the first four quarters, students study automotive basics. They learn the fundamentals of brakes and front ends, automatic and standard transmissions,
engines, front and rear wheel drive, fuel injection, emissions, electronic and electrical systems, and accessories. They also take related classes in math,
first aid, technical writing, business computer use, arc welding, oxy-acetylene welding and leadership training. (Students may enroll in the Toyota T-Ten
program after completing two quarters. If accepted, the rest of their training will be on Toyota-specific products.) the program's fifth and sixth quarters
are advanced work, and students concentrate their studies in one or two of these areas:

engine performance and air conditioning

automatic transmissions, transaxles, suspension and brakes

engines and drive trains

In addition, advanced students study business skills, heating and air conditioning repair, tune up, electronic ignition, wheel alignment and balancing. A
seventh quarter option-called service writer-is available for those interested in pursuing customer relations or management. Since second-year students work
on cars owned by employees and students of CCS, they also learn shop management skills: making out job estimates, ordering parts, completing work orders and
dealing with customers. During their final two quarters, they can enhance their education through on-the-job training opportunities. SCC offers evening classes
for those presently employed in the industry.

Where will I get a job?

The automotive technology program provides basic skills for entry into a very broad field. There are positions as manufacturers' representatives, auto
technicians (general and specialized), field service representatives, technical and catalog writers, inventory control managers and computer operators, as
well as jobs in wholesaling/distribution. Graduates may advance to positions as shop foreman and lead technician, or with further education, automotive
engineer. They may seek to own their own business, manage a dealership, write how-to automotive books, or break into the high performance industry.

How much will I make?

Entry-level pay for an untrained technician starts at minimum wage, but those equipped with an A.A.S. degree can expect $7 to $8 in the Spokane market-and
can expect more and faster advancement. Experienced technicians in Spokane earn around $14 an hour. Pay scales also vary according to the technician's scores
on standardized tests given by the Automotive Service Excellence program. SCC's automotive program prepares students for this series of eight tests which are
offered twice a year and can be taken separately or all together. Certification in any of these eight areas-engine repair, engine performance, suspension and
steering, brakes, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning-indicates to employers the
individual's training level and ability.